Description
The thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4) is a tyrosine-based hormone which is produced by the thyroid gland. Synthetic versions of this hormone are used to make up for a lack of naturally produced thyroxine and increase the rate of metabolism. Artificially made thyroid hormone improves the symptoms of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and speeds the rate of metabolism in those who suffer from the disease. Thyroid hormones may also be used to treat goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and certain types of thyroid cancer.
Background
In the early 1900’s doctors found that injecting patients with thyroid extracts from sheep reversed the symptoms of hypothyroidism. T4 was synthesized in 1926. Thyroid drugs are only available with a physician’s prescription and are sold in tablet form. The most commonly used T4 thyroid hormone is levothyroxine which is sold under the brand names: Synthroid, Levoxyl, and Levothroid.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.